Bicycle component fixing structure

ABSTRACT

A bicycle component fixing structure has a fixing nut that is configured to be coupled to a handlebar clamp and a fixing bolt. The fixing nut includes a threaded bore with an entrance opening and an exit opening. The threaded bore has a first axial length between the entrance and exit openings. The fixing nut defines a bolt shaft receiving space that is disposed adjacent the bolt exit opening. The fixing bolt includes a head and a shaft. The shaft has a non-threaded portion disposed between first and second threaded portions. The first threaded portion is disposed closer to the head of the fixing bolt than the second threaded portion. The first and second threaded portions threadedly engage the threaded bore of the fixing nut. The non-threaded portion has a second axial length that is greater than the first axial length of the threaded bore of the fixing nut.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/250,800 filed on Apr. 11, 2014, which is a divisionalapplication of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/558,862 filed on Jul.26, 2012. The entire disclosures of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/558,862 are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to a bicycle handlebar clamp. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to a bicycle handlebar clampfor attaching a bicycle component to a handlebar.

Background Information

Bicycles are often provided with one or more bicycle component operatingdevices or controllers that are mounted on the handlebar of the bicyclefor the rider to easily operate the bicycle component operating deviceor controller. For example, typically, a brake lever is mounted on eachend of the handlebar near the handgrip for operating a brake device thatapply braking forces to stop rotation of a wheel. These brake levers aretypically mounted by a bracket having a band clamp. Similar, forexample, a shifter (e.g., a gear shifting operation device) is oftenmounted adjacent each of the brake levers for shifting the gears byoperating an operating member in the form of a lever, for example. Aconventional gear shifting operation device either has its own bandclamp that mounts directly on the handlebar, or is mounted on a mountingbracket on one of the brake levers. In conventional practice, in casesin which a shift operating device is provided separately from a brakelever, normally, the gear shifting operation device is attached to thehandlebar inside the bracket of the brake lever. If the gear shiftingoperation device is attached to the handlebar within the brake lever,then the shifter may be difficult to operate, depending on the shape(s)of the operating member(s) of the gear shifting operation device. Thus,the gear shifting operation device is often mounted on the mountingbracket on one of the brake levers.

SUMMARY

Generally, the present disclosure is directed to various features of abicycle handlebar clamp. In one feature presented in this disclosure isto provide a bicycle handlebar clamp in which a fixing bolt for anoperating component (e.g., a shifter) will not readily drop off ahandlebar clamp even if the fixing bolt becomes loose. In anotherfeature presented in this disclosure is to provide a bicycle handlebarclamp in which an attachment pin couples a fixing nut to a handlebarclamp such that the fixing nut will not readily drop off the handlebarclamp even if the attachment pin becomes loose.

In view of the above, in one aspect, a bicycle component fixingstructure comprises a fixing nut and a fixing bolt. The fixing nut isconfigured to be coupled to a handlebar clamp. The fixing nut includes athreaded bore having a bolt entrance opening and a bolt exit opening.The threaded bore has a first axial length between the bolt entranceopening and the bolt exit opening. The fixing nut defines a bolt shaftreceiving space that is disposed adjacent the bolt exit opening. Thefixing bolt includes a head and a shaft extending from the head. Theshaft has a first threaded portion, a second threaded portion and anon-threaded portion disposed between the first and second threadedportions. The first threaded portion is disposed closer to the head ofthe fixing bolt than the second threaded portion. The first and secondthreaded portions are dimensioned to threadedly engage the threaded boreof the fixing nut. The non-threaded portion has a second axial lengththat is greater than the first axial length of the threaded bore of thefixing nut.

Other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the disclosed bicyclecomponent fixing structure will become apparent to those skilled in theart from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunctionwith the annexed drawings, discloses preferred embodiments of a bicyclecomponent fixing structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of thisoriginal disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a bicycle component operating deviceattached to a handlebar by a bicycle handlebar clamp assembly inaccordance with a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the bicycle component operatingdevice illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the handlebar clamp assemblyillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 in which the second operating component hasbeen removed and parts of the first operating component (i.e., thehydraulic brake operating device) have also been removed;

FIG. 4 is a partial side elevational view of the handlebar clampassembly illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, with the cylinder housing of thefirst operating component (i.e., the hydraulic brake operating device)broken away for purposes of illustration;

FIG. 5 is a partial side perspective view of the portion of thehandlebar clamp assembly illustrated in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a partial exploded perspective view of the portion of thehandlebar clamp assembly illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5;

FIG. 7 is a partial exploded side elevational view of the portion of thehandlebar clamp assembly illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6;

FIG. 8 is a partial cross sectional view of the portion of the handlebarclamp assembly illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 7 as seen along section line8-8 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is a partial cross sectional view of the portion of the handlebarclamp assembly illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 8 as seen along section line9-9 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a partial cross sectional view, similar to FIG. 8, of theportion of the handlebar clamp assembly illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 7, butwith the fixing bolt unthreaded to a dropout prevented position;

FIG. 11 is a partial cross sectional view, similar to FIG. 9, of theportion of the handlebar clamp assembly illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 7, butwith the fixing bolt unthreaded to a dropout prevented position;

FIG. 12 is a partial cross sectional view, similar to FIG. 8, of theportion of the handlebar clamp assembly illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 7, butwith the fixing bolt removed;

FIG. 13 is a partial cross sectional view, similar to FIG. 9, of theportion of the handlebar clamp assembly illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 7, butwith the fixing bolt removed;

FIG. 14 is a partial exploded perspective view of a portion of ahandlebar clamp assembly in accordance with a second embodiment; and

FIG. 15 is a partial exploded perspective view of a portion of ahandlebar clamp assembly in accordance with a third embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to thedrawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from thisdisclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments areprovided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting theinvention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, a bicycle component operatingdevice 10 is illustrated that is attached to a handlebar 12 by a bicyclehandlebar clamp assembly 14 in accordance with a first embodiment. Herein the first embodiment, the bicycle component operating device 10includes a first operating component 16 and a second operating component18. The first operating component 16 is illustrated in the form of ahydraulic brake operating (actuation) device. On the other hand, thesecond operating component 18 is illustrated in the form of a cableoperating device.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the first operating component 16 is integratedas a non-separable unit from the bicycle handlebar clamp assembly 14 asexplained below. Since hydraulic brake operating device are well known,the first operating component 16 will not be discussed herein. Also, thefirst operating component 16 is not limited to a hydraulic brakeoperating device. In other words, the first operating component 16 couldbe a cable type brake operating device.

As diagrammatically illustrated in FIG. 1, the second operatingcomponent 18 operates at least one of a cable operated derailleur 20, acable operated seat post height adjuster 22 and a cable operatedsuspension adjuster 24. The derailleur 20, the seat post height adjuster22 and the suspension adjuster 24 are conventional bicycle components,and thus, they will not be discussed and/or illustrated herein. Thus,the second operating component 18 constitutes at least one a gearshifting operation device, a seat height controller and a suspensioncontroller. The second operating component 18 is illustrated as a doublelever indexing type of cable operating device that includes a firstlever 28 a and a second lever 28 b. Operation of the first lever 28 apulls an inner wire of a control cable 26 in a conventional manner,while operation of the second lever 28 b releases the inner wire of thecontrol cable 26 in a conventional manner. However, the second operatingcomponent 18 is not limited to this type of cable operating device.Also, the second operating component 18 can be configured to operatemore than one bicycle component. Since the second operating component 18can be a conventional operating device, the details of the secondoperating component 18 will not be discussed herein.

As seen in FIGS. 1 to 3, the first operating component 16 (hydraulicbrake actuation device) includes a housing 30 and a brake lever 32. Thehousing 30 defines a master cylinder (not shown) that houses a piston(not shown). The master cylinder of the housing 30 is operatively(fluidly) coupled to a brake device (not shown) by a hydraulic hose 34.The housing 30 further defines a reservoir (not shown that contains thehydraulic fluid (mineral oil). The master cylinder is fluidly connectedto the reservoir. The hydraulic fluid in the master cylinder ispressurized by movement of the piston in the master cylinder in responseto the pivotal movement of the brake lever 32 towards the handlebar 12.Thus, operation of the brake lever 32 causes an increase in fluidpressure in the master cylinder of the housing 30 to operate a brakedevice in a conventional manner. Since the operation of the firstoperating component 16 is conventional, the first operating component 16will not be discussed or shown in detail herein.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 to 7, in the first embodiment, the bicyclehandlebar clamp assembly 14 basically includes a handlebar clamp 40, afixing nut 44, a fixing bolt 46 and an attachment pin 48. The housing 30of the first operating component 16 is integrally formed with thehandlebar clamp 40 of the bicycle handlebar clamp assembly 14 as anintegral unit. In particular, the handlebar clamp 40 includes a firstclamp part 50 and a second clamp part 52, with the first clamp part 50being integrally formed with the housing 30 of the first operatingcomponent 16 as a one-piece, unitary member. The brake lever 32 ispivotally mounted to the first clamp part 50 of the handlebar clamp 40.The first and second clamp parts 50 and 52 are pivotally connected atfirst ends by a pivot pin 54. The first and second clamp parts 50 and 52have second ends that are releasably fastened together by a threadedfastener or bolt 56. In other words, the first and second clamp parts 50and 52 have first ends hinged together and second ends releasablyfastened together by the bolt 56. Alternatively, the first and secondclamp parts 50 and 52 can be integrally formed as a one piece member, orthe hinge can be replaced with a second bolt 56 as seen in FIG. 15.

In any case, in the illustrated embodiments, the first and second clampparts 50 and 52 have curved handlebar engagement surfaces 60 and 62,respectively, which define an overall handlebar engagement surface ofthe handlebar clamp 40. The handlebar engagement surfaces 60 and 62 arecurved such that their center of curvature is at or near a longitudinalcenter axis A of the handlebar 14. Tightening the bolt 56 causes thehandlebar engagement surfaces 60 and 62 of the handlebar clamp 40 tosqueezes the handlebar 12 for attaching the bicycle component operatingdevice 10 to a bicycle (only the handlebar 14 of the bicycle isillustrated).

As seen in FIG. 4, the first clamp part 50 has a threaded hole 50 a forthreadedly receiving the bolt 56. The second clamp part 52 has anon-threaded hole 52 a for receiving the bolt 56 therethrough. Bytightening the bolt 56, the first and second clamp parts 50 and 52 movetowards each other to squeeze the handlebar 14. Thus, the first andsecond clamp parts 50 and 52 fixedly secure the first and secondoperating components 16 and 18 to the handlebar 14. Once the handlebarclamp 40 is non-movably secured to the handlebar 14, the longitudinalcenter axis A of the handlebar 14 becomes coincident or nearly with acenter axis of the handlebar clamp 40. Thus, the longitudinal centeraxis A as shown in the drawings refers to both the center axis of thehandlebar 14 and the center axis of the handlebar clamp 40.

As seen in FIGS. 4 to 7, a component mounting bracket 64 is attached tothe first clamp part 50 of the handlebar clamp 40 by the fixing bolt 46being screwed into the fixing nut 44, which is secured to the firstclamp part 50 of the handlebar clamp 40 by the attachment pin 48. Inparticular, first, the attachment pin 48 secures the fixing nut 44 tothe first clamp part 50, and then the fixing bolt 46 is screwed into thefixing nut 44 to fixedly secure the component mounting bracket 64 to thefirst clamp part 50. The second operating component 18 (e.g., a gearshifting operation device, a suspension controller and/or a seat heightcontroller) is attached to the component mounting bracket 64 by a bolt66 as seen in FIG. 2.

The mounting bracket 64 constitutes a connecting member for attachingthe second operating component 18 to the first operating component 16.The mounting bracket 64 can provide an adjustment function of the secondoperating component 18 with respect to the first operating component 16in direction generally parallel with the longitudinal center axis A ofthe handlebar 14. In particular, the mounting bracket 64 has anelongated slot 70 that extends parallel or substantially parallel to thecenter axis A while the mounting bracket 64 is fixed to the first clamppart 50. The elongated slot 70 receives the bolt 66 therethrough as seenin FIG. 2. The bolt 66 is screwed to a threaded hole of a stationarypart of the second operating component 18. While the second operatingcomponent 18 is loosely attached to the mounting bracket 64 by the bolt66 extending through the elongated slot 70, the second operatingcomponent 18 can be adjusted relative to the handlebar clamp 40 in adirection parallel or substantially parallel to the center axis A.

To prevent rotation of the second operating component 18 relative to themounting bracket 64, the bottom of the mounting bracket 64 includes arecess 72 that extends parallel or substantially parallel to the centeraxis A while the mounting bracket 64 is fixed to the first clamp part50. The second operating component 18 has a protrusion 18 a thatprojects from the top surface of the housing of the second operatingcomponent 18. The protrusion 18 a of the second operating component 18mates with the recess 72 to prevent rotation of the second operatingcomponent 18 relative to the mounting bracket 64.

The mounting bracket 64 preferably also includes a bore 74 disposed atthe opposite end of the mounting bracket 64 from the elongated slot 70.The bore 74 is a non-threaded bore that is stepped shaped to define afirst bore part 74 a and a second bore part 74 b. The fixing nut 44 isdisposed in the first part 74 b of the bore 74 and the fixing bolt 46extends through second bore part 74 b to screw into the fixing nut 44such that the mounting bracket 64 is retained between the fixing nut 44and the fixing bolt 46. To prevent rotation of the mounting bracket 64relative to the handlebar clamp 40, the mounting bracket 64 includes arecess 76 that snugly engages a mating protrusion 78 projecting from theouter surface of the first clamp part 50.

Now, the first clamp part 50 of the handlebar clamp 40 will be discussedin more detail. The first clamp part 50 has a fixing nut receivingaperture 80 for receiving the fixing nut 44 in a reinstallable mannerand an attachment bore 82 for receiving the attachment pin 48 in areinstallable manner. The center axes of the fixing nut receivingaperture 80 and the attachment bore 82 are transversely arranged withthe fixing nut receiving aperture 80 and the attachment bore 82intersecting each other. Preferably, as shown, the center axes of thefixing nut receiving aperture 80 and the attachment bore 82 areperpendicularly arranged with respect to each other. More preferable, asshown, the center axes of the fixing nut receiving aperture 80 and theattachment bore 82 perpendicularly intersect. In this way, with thefixing nut 44 disposed in the fixing nut receiving aperture 80, theattachment pin 48 is inserted into the attachment bore 82 to secure thefixing nut 44 to the first clamp part 50.

The fixing nut receiving aperture 80 extends through the first clamppart 50 of the handlebar clamp 40 from the outer surface of theprotrusion 78 to the handlebar engagement surface 60. As explainedbelow, with this arrangement, while the handlebar clamp 40 is fixedlyattached on the handlebar 12, the fixing nut 44 is held in an attachmentpin drop out prevention position (FIGS. 8 to 11) and prevented frommoving to an attachment pin removal position (FIGS. 12 and 13) by thehandlebar 12

In the first embodiment, as mentioned above, the fixing nut 44 isfixedly secured to the first clamp part 50 of the handlebar clamp 40 bythe attachment pin 48. The bicycle handlebar clamp assembly 14 is notlimited to this particular arrangement. For example, the fixing nut 44and the attachment pin 48 could be eliminated by providing the firstclamp part 50 of the handlebar clamp 40 with a threaded hole thatdirectly receives the fixing bolt 46. However, using the fixing nut 44and the attachment pin 48 has certain benefits that will become apparentfrom this disclosure.

As best seen in FIGS. 8 to 13, in the first embodiment, the fixing nut44 has a threaded bore 84, a bolt shaft receiving space 86 and anattachment opening 88. In the illustrated embodiments, the bolt shaftreceiving space 86 is a non-threaded bore that is axially aligned withthe threaded bore 84 for receiving the fixing bolt 46 to fixedly attachthe mounting bracket 64 to the fixing nut 44. It will be apparent fromthis disclosure that the bolt shaft receiving space 86 can have otherconfigurations as needed and/or desired so long the bolt shaft receivingspace 86 permits the axial movement of the fixing bolt 46 from the fixedposition to the loose position as explained below. The attachmentopening 88 is a non-threaded bore that is extends perpendicularly forreceiving the attachment pin 48 to fixedly attach the fixing nut 44 tothe handlebar clamp 40. The fixing nut 44, the fixing bolt 46 and theattachment pin 48 cooperate with the first clamp part 50 of thehandlebar clamp 40 and/or each other to provide two drop out preventionfeatures. The first drop out prevention feature retains the fixing bolt46 in an attached but loose state, upon the fixing bolt 46 becomingloose, so as to prevent complete disengagement of the fixing bolt 46from the fixing nut 44. The second drop out prevention feature retainsthe fixing nut 44 in an attached state, upon the attachment pin 48becoming loose, so as to prevent the fixing nut 44 from dropping out ofthe fixing nut receiving aperture 80.

As seen in FIGS. 12 and 13, the threaded bore 84 has a bolt entranceopening 84 a and a bolt exit opening 84 b. The fixing bolt 46 isthreadedly engaged with the threaded bore 84 of the fixing nut 44 forreleasably attaching the mounting bracket 64 on the handlebar clamp 40.The bolt shaft receiving space 86 is disposed adjacent the bolt exitopening 84 b. The threaded bore 84 has a first axial length L1 betweenthe bolt entrance opening 84 a and the bolt exit opening 84 b. The boltshaft receiving space 86 has a second axial length L2 between from thebolt exit opening 84 b to its end wall. As explained below, the firstand second axial lengths L1 and L2 are dimension to provide the fixingnut 44 with a drop out prevention feature for the fixing bolt 46 in theevent the fixing bolt 46 becomes loose. In other words, if the fixingbolt 46 becomes loose, then the fixing nut 44 will retain the fixingbolt 46 in an attached but loose state. In this way, the rider willnotice when the fixing bolt 46 becomes loose before the mounting bracket64 and the second operating component 18 drop off the handlebar clamp40.

Still referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the fixing bolt 46 will now bediscussed in more detail. Basically, the fixing bolt 46 is threadedlyengaged with the threaded bore 84 of the fixing nut 44 for releasablyattaching the mounting bracket 64 on the handlebar clamp 40. Inparticular, the fixing bolt 46 includes a head 90 and a shaft 92extending from the head 90. The shaft 92 has a first threaded portion94, a second threaded portion 96 and a non-threaded portion 98 disposedbetween the first and second threaded portions 94 and 96. The firstthreaded portion 94 is disposed closer to the head 90 of the fixing bolt46 than the second threaded portion 96. The first and second threadedportions 94 and 96 are dimensioned to threadedly engage the threadedbore 84 of the fixing nut 44. The non-threaded portion 98 has an axiallength that is equal to or slightly greater than the first axial lengthL1 of the threaded bore 84 of the fixing nut 44. The non-threadedportion 98 also has a smaller diameter than the diameters of the firstand second threaded portions 94 and 96.

Basically, the attachment pin 48 fixedly couples the fixing nut 44 tothe handlebar clamp 40 in a releasable manner. In particular, theattachment pin 48 includes a first shaft portion 48 a, a second shaftportion 48 b and a middle shaft portion 48 c. The first and second shaftportions 48 a and 48 b have larger transverse widths than the middleshaft portion 48 c. In other words, in the illustrated embodiment, themiddle shaft portion 48 c has a smaller diameter than the diameters ofthe first and second shaft portions 48 a and 48 b. The middle shaftportion 48 c is disposed in the attachment opening 88 of the fixing nut44 while the attachment pin 48 and the fixing nut 44 are in theinstalled positions. The second shaft portion 48 b is screwed into anattachment bore 82 of the handlebar clamp 40.

Since the attachment pin 48 is a threaded pin in the illustratedembodiments, as discussed above, the attachment bore 82 includes a firstbore portion 82 a and a second bore portion 82 b. The first bore portion82 a is a non-threaded bore, while the second bore portion 82 b is athreaded bore. The first bore portion 82 a is dimensioned to snuglyreceive the first shaft portion 48 a, while the second bore portion 82 bis dimensioned to be threadedly engaged with the second shaft portion 48b. Alternatively, one or both of the interfaces between the first boreportion 82 a and the first shaft portion 48 a and the interfaces betweenthe second bore portion 82 b and the second shaft portion 48 b can be aninterference fit for securing the attachment pin 48 within theattachment bore 82. Thus, the thread on the second shaft portion 48 bcould be eliminated by using a press-fit connection.

The attachment opening 88 of the fixing nut 44 has a larger transversedimension than the transverse width of the middle shaft portion 48 c.However, the transverse dimension of the attachment opening 88 is equalto or slightly greater that the transverse widths of the first andsecond shaft portions 48 a and 48 b. The fixing nut 44 is movablydisposed in an axial direction of the fixing nut receiving aperture 80between a first position and a second position. In the illustratedembodiments, the first position corresponds to an attachment pin removalposition, while the second position corresponds to an attachment pindrop out prevention position. The fixing nut 44 partially extends into ahandlebar receiving area defined by the handlebar engagement surfaces 60and 62 while the fixing nut 44 is in the first position (the attachmentpin removal position). The fixing nut 44 does not extend into thehandlebar receiving area while the fixing nut 44 is in the secondposition (the attachment pin drop out prevention position). In this way,the attachment pin 48 is removably retained in the attachment bore 82 ofthe handlebar clamp 40 while the fixing nut 44 is in the first position,and is non-removably retained in the attachment bore 82 of the handlebarclamp 40 while the fixing nut 44 is in the second position.

When the fixing bolt 46 is screwed into the fixing nut 44, the fixingnut 44 would be pulling to the outside of the fixing nut receivingaperture 80 (i.e., toward the head 90 of the fixing bolt 46), at thattime, one side of inner circumference surface of the attachment opening88 contacts the middle shaft portion 48 c of the attachment pin 48. Inthis situation, the second shaft portion 48 b (i.e., the threadedportion) of the attachment pin 48 cannot pass through the attachmentopening 88 of the fixing nut 44. In other word, with the handlebar clamp40 attached to the handlebar 12, the attachment pin 48 cannot passthrough the attachment opening 88 of the fixing nut 44 due to thetransverse width of the second shaft portion 48 b relative to thetransverse width of the attachment opening 88. In particular, the secondshaft portion 48 b (i.e., the threaded portion) of the attachment pin 48contacts the fixing nut 44, so the attachment pin 48 cannot pass throughthe attachment opening 88 of the fixing nut 44. In this way, theattachment pin 48 is prevented from dropping out of the attachment bore82. Thus, the fixing nut 44 will remain in an attached state, even ifthe attachment pin 48 is loose, long as the handlebar clamp 40 isfixedly attached on the handlebar 12. Moreover, with the handlebar clamp40 fixedly attached on the handlebar 12, even if the attachment pin 48is loose, the fixing bolt 46 does not pull the fixing nut 44 to theoutside of the fixing nut receiving aperture 80 (i.e., toward the head90 of the fixing bolt 46). This is because the fixing nut 44 remains incontact with the middle shaft portion 48 c of the attachment pin 48 andthus the fixing nut 44 does not move relative to the handlebar 12.

Referring now to FIG. 14, a handlebar clamp assembly 114 in accordancewith a second embodiment will now be explained. In view of thesimilarity between the first and second embodiments, the parts of thesecond embodiment that are identical to the parts of the firstembodiment will be given the same reference numerals as the parts of thefirst embodiment. Moreover, the descriptions of the parts of the secondembodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment maybe omitted for the sake of brevity.

Here, in this second embodiment, a modified fixing nut 144, a modifiedfirst clamp part 150 and a modified mounting bracket 164 are used withthe others parts of the handlebar clamp assembly 14 of the firstembodiment. In other words, the handlebar clamp of this secondembodiment is the same as the handlebar clamp 40 of the firstembodiment, except for the first clamp part 150, which is configured tocooperate with the fixing nut 144 and the mounting bracket 164. Thefixing nut 144 is configured such that no an attachment pin is neededfor securing the fixing nut 144 to the first clamp part 150. Rather, thehandlebar 12 will hold the fixing nut 144 in place when the handlebarclamp assembly 114 is attached to the handlebar 12 and the fixing bolt46 is removed. The fixing nut 144 has a tabular part 144 a and a flangepart 144 b. The tubular part 144 a includes a threaded bore and a boltshaft receiving space that are identical to the threaded bore 84 and thebolt shaft receiving space 86 of the first embodiment. Thus, the fixingnut 144 threadedly receives the fixing bolt 46 in the same manner as thefirst embodiment. Thus, upon the fixing bolt 46 becoming loose, thefixing nut 144 retains the fixing bolt 46 in an attached but loosestate, so as to prevent complete disengagement of the fixing bolt 46from the fixing nut 144 in the same manner as the first embodiment.

The first clamp part 150 of the handlebar clamp has a handlebarengagement surface 160 and a fixing nut receiving aperture 180 thatextends through the first clamp part 150 of the handlebar clamp to thehandlebar engagement surface 160. The fixing nut receiving aperture 180has a first aperture section 180 a and a second aperture section 180 bwith an abutment surface 180 c extending in a radial direction betweenthe first and second aperture sections 180 a and 180 h with respect to acenter axis of the fixing nut receiving aperture 180. The first aperturesection 180 a is an elongated slot that extends in the circumferentialdirection of the handlebar engagement surface 160. The second aperturesection 180 b is also an elongated slot that extends in thecircumferential direction of the handlebar engagement surface 160. Thefirst and second aperture sections 180 a and 180 b of the fixing nutreceiving aperture 180 are elongated in a circumferential direction ofthe handlebar engagement surface 160 of the handlebar clamp foradjusting a fixed position of the fixing nut 144. In other words, thefirst and second aperture sections 180 a and 180 b are dimensionedrelative to the tubular part 144 a and the flange part 144 b so that afixed position of the fixing nut 144 can be adjusted in thecircumferential direction of the handlebar engagement surface 160. Withthe fixing nut 144 disposed in the fixing nut receiving aperture 180,the tubular part 144 a extends through the first aperture section 180 aand into a bore 174 of the mounting bracket 164. Also with the fixingnut 144 disposed in the fixing nut receiving aperture 180, the flangepart 144 b of the fixing nut 144 is disposed in the second aperturesection 180 b. The second aperture section 180 b and the abutmentsurface 180 c define an interior channel in the handlebar engagementsurface 160. The interior channel defined by the second aperture section180 b and the abutment surface 180 c is dimensioned so that the flangepart 144 b fits snugly therein when the handlebar clamp assembly 114 issecurely attaches to the handlebar 12. Thus, with the flange part 144 blocated in the second aperture section 180 b and the tubular part 144 aextending through the first aperture section 180, the end surface of theflange part 144 b is substantially flush with the handlebar engagementsurface 160 when the handlebar clamp assembly 114 is securely attachesto the handlebar 12.

Referring now to FIG. 15, a handlebar clamp assembly 214 in accordancewith a third embodiment will now be explained. In view of the similaritybetween the first and third embodiments, the parts of the thirdembodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment willbe given the same reference numerals as the parts of the firstembodiment. Moreover, the descriptions of the parts of the thirdembodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment maybe omitted for the sake of brevity.

Referring in this third embodiment, a modified housing 230 which formsapart of a modified handlebar clamp is used with the others parts of thehandlebar clamp assembly 14 of the first embodiment. More specifically,the handlebar clamp 240 includes a first clamp part 250 and a secondclamp part 252, with the first clamp part 250 being integrally formedwith the housing 230. Here, the first and second clamp parts 250 and 252have first and second ends releasably fastened together by two of thebolts 56 (fasteners) of the first embodiment. Other than the first andsecond clamp parts 250 and 252 being releasably fastened together by twoof the bolts 56, the handlebar clamp assembly 214 is identical to thehandlebar clamp assembly 14 of the first embodiment.

In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term“comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to beopen ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features,elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not excludethe presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups,integers and/or steps. Also it will be understood that although theterms first and second may be used herein to describe various componentsthese components should not be limited by these terms. These terms areonly used to distinguish one component from another. Thus, for example,a first component discussed above could be termed a second component andvice-a-versa without departing from the teachings of the presentinvention. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meaningssuch as the terms, “including”, “having” and their derivatives. Also,the terms “part,” “section,” “portion,” “member” or “element” when usedin the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or aplurality of parts. Finally, terms of degree such as “substantially”,“about” and “approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount ofdeviation of the modified term such that the end result is notsignificantly changed.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate thepresent invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the at fromthis disclosure that various changes and modifications can be madeherein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined inthe appended claims. For example, the size, shape, location ororientation of the various components can be changed as needed and/ordesired so long as they do not substantially their intended function.Components that are shown directly connected or contacting each othercan have intermediate structures disposed between them unlessspecifically stated otherwise. The functions of one element can beperformed by two, and vice versa unless specifically stated otherwise.The structures and functions of one embodiment can be adopted in anotherembodiment. It is not necessary for all advantages to be present in aparticular embodiment at the same time. Every feature which is uniquefrom the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, alsoshould be considered a separate description of further inventions by theapplicant, including the structural and/or functional concepts embodiedby such feature(s). Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the embodimentsaccording to the present invention are provided for illustration only,and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by theappended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A bicycle component fixing structure comprising:a fixing nut configured to be coupled to a handlebar clamp for attachinga bicycle component to a handlebar, the fixing nut including a threadedbore having a bolt entrance opening and a bolt exit opening, thethreaded bore having an axial length between the bolt entrance openingand the bolt exit opening, the fixing nut defining a bolt shaftreceiving space disposed adjacent the bolt exit opening; and a fixingbolt including a head and a shaft extending from the head, the shafthaving a first threaded portion, a second threaded portion and anon-threaded portion disposed between the first and second threadedportions, the first threaded portion being disposed closer to the headof the fixing bolt than the second threaded portion, the first andsecond threaded portions being dimensioned to threadedly engage thethreaded bore of the fixing nut, an axial length of the non-threadedportion being greater than the axial length of the threaded bore of thefixing nut, the fixing nut including an attachment bore for receiving anattachment pin to fixedly attach the fixing nut to the handlebar clamp,the attachment bore having an axial direction parallel to an axialcenter axis of the handlebar in a state where the fixing nut is attachedto the handlebar clamp via the attachment pin.
 2. The bicycle componentfixing structure according to claim 1, wherein the bolt shaft receivingspace includes a non-threaded bore that is aligned with the threadedbore.
 3. The bicycle component fixing structure according to claim 2,wherein the non-threaded bore of the bolt shaft receiving space has anaxial length that is greater than the axial length of the threaded bore.4. The bicycle component fixing structure according to claim 1, whereinthe attachment bore is perpendicularly disposed relative to the threadedbore of the fixing nut.
 5. The bicycle component fixing structureaccording to claim 1, wherein the non-threaded portion of the fixingbolt has a smaller diameter than a diameter of the first threadedportion and a diameter of the second threaded portion of the fixingbolt.
 6. The bicycle component fixing structure according to claim 1,wherein the first threaded portion has an axial length that is greaterthan an axial length of the second threaded portion.
 7. The bicyclecomponent fixing structure according to claim 1, further comprising acomponent mounting bracket configured to be attached to the handlebarclamp by the fixing bolt.
 8. The bicycle component fixing structureaccording to claim 7, wherein the component mounting bracket includes abore that is stepped shaped to define a first bore part and a secondbore part, the fixing nut being disposed in the first bore part, and thefixing bolt extending through the second bore part.
 9. The bicyclecomponent fixing structure according to claim 7, wherein the componentmounting bracket includes an elongated slot configured to extendsubstantially parallel with a longitudinal center axis of the handlebarclamp while the component mounting bracket is fixed to the handlebarclamp.
 10. The bicycle component fixing structure according to claim 7,wherein the component mounting bracket includes a recess configured toengage an outer surface of the handlebar clamp to prevent rotation ofthe component mounting bracket relative to the handlebar clamp.
 11. Thebicycle component fixing structure according to claim 7, furthercomprising at least one of a gear shifting operation device, asuspension controller and a seat height controller attached to thecomponent mounting bracket.